SIA buys 10 superjumbos

SIA buys 10 superjumbos

PARIS (AFP): The European aircraft manufacturer Airbus said on
Monday that Singapore Airlines has confirmed its intention to buy
10 superjumbo A380-800 airplanes, taking to 67 the total number
of firm orders and letters of intent for the aircraft.

Airbus said that the airline had also taken out options on 15
more of the aircraft, adding that it would be the first carrier
to fly the superjumbo.

The first of the A380-800s would be delivered to Singapore
Airlines in the first quarter of 2006, with the last arriving by
the end of 2007, Airbus said in a statement.

Airbus gave no financial details of the deal.

Singapore Airlines is one of eight carriers to have confirmed
intentions to buy the superjumbo, which will be the biggest
commercial aircraft in the world.

It says it plans to use the A380 on very busy routes to
London, Los Angelese, San Francisco, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong
and Sydney

Qantas of Australia has signed up for 12 aircraft, Air France
for 10 and British airline Virgin Atlantic six. US leasing
company ILFC has placed orders for five passenger aircraft and
five freight versions.